Find out about all the exciting things happening in libraries near you
Health Information Week (20 to 26 January 2025) promotes high-quality information for patients and the public. A good source of information for Surrey residents is Healthy Surrey. This website provides self-care information, as well as signposting to local services. This can help you lead a healthier life.
Surrey Libraries also run regular events that support people's Health and Wellbeing. Library staff can signpost to different health information, including using library computers to set up an NHS account.
Health and Wellbeing events
Our Surrey Libraries run regular events supporting people's Health and Wellbeing. Not only in our libraries, but also in our communities. Meet some of our colleagues for example at Frimley Park Hospital on Wednesday morning, 23 January, as part of our Health Information Week offer. Find out about our Reminiscence Collection, supporting people with dementia. You can also learn about our Reading Well book collection. The collection is designed to give practical information and advice whilst encouraging self-awareness and understanding of individual health issues.
Matt Graydon author talk at Haslemere Library
Join us at Haslemere Library for an afternoon with local author Matt Graydon as he talks about his book 'Leaving Fatherland'. This event will take place on Friday 10 January at 2.30pm. Donation required; £4 per person suggested. Book your ticket via our Eventbrite web page.
Meet dog behaviour consultant Aftab Ahmed at Esher Library
In his book To Be Frank, dog behaviour consultant Aftab Ahmed draws on twenty years of experience to explain what makes dogs tick and how you can use this knowledge to resolve all problem behaviours. He will be talking about his book at Esher Library on Thursday 23 January at 2pm. Tickets cost £3 per person. Book via our Eventbrite web page.
The Thousand Year Tree competition – exhibition at Dorking Library
In the summer, hundreds of children handed in their wonderful designs as part of The Thousand Year Tree Book Endpapers design competition. The winners and runner ups entries are now on display at Dorking Library in the children's area. You can also borrow the picture book. We have 52 copies in stock! To reserve your copy, visit our online catalogue.
New Poetry Hub at Woking Library
The Poetry Hub is a new, weekly, event happening at our improved Woking Library. These sessions are designed to be a haven for adults seeking connection and creativity through the power of poetry. Every Friday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, they are free and there is no need to book. For more information, visit the events and activities at Woking Library web page.
There is also an established Poetry Hub at Staines Library, taking place every Monday at 10am.
Digital Welfare Support events
The Digital Welfare Support Project is a community outreach program that is closing the digital divide and reducing isolation in Surrey. Our Digital Welfare Support Officers Alys and Eleanor have been visiting libraries across Surrey this winter to introduce you to a range of online tools. This can help you save money on your energy bills and stay well this winter. They will be visiting several libraries during Health Information Week in January to help you with the NHS app. For dates and locations, please visit our events and activities in libraries webpage.
National Storytelling Week
In 2025, National Storytelling Week takes place 1 to 9 February to celebrate the power of sharing stories. Our libraries will be hosting a variety of events in January and February, so check your local library's web page to see what is happening. We can confirm that the 'Heads & Tails' tour of Southern African animal stories, will return. Performed by professional storytellers Andy Copps and John Kirk, this event is suitable for the whole family. For locations and dates, and to book your ticket, please visit our Eventbrite web page.
Winter Mini Challenge
The Winter Mini Challenge is now well on its way. Children can sign up online until 20 February for this digital challenge from The Reading Agency. We highly recommend you visit one of our libraries though to borrow your books! Children set their own target. Once completed, they receive an e-certificate. Show it to one of our library staff, and they will receive a prize. You need to be a member, so join in branch if you are not one yet. Visit our web page to sign up for the Winter Mini Challenge.
Our libraries have several events to support the Challenge, including Farnham Library who are hosting a special 'wintery' Chatterbooks Group session for 7 to 12 year olds on 11 January 2025. Speak to a Farnham library staff member to find out more.
Games Clubs for young and old!
Fancy playing games? You can do so in some of our libraries who host regular free Games Clubs, including:
- Card games at Ashtead Library, last Monday of every month, from 2 to 4pm. Next session is 27 January. Everyone is welcome.
- Boards games at Horley Library, every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Next session on 7 January. Everyone is welcome.
- Adult board games club at Oxted Library, every Wednesday from 2 to 3.30pm. Next session is 8 January.
Visit your local library's web page to find out more.
Finding Ivy: A Life Worthy of Life – Surrey Heritage exhibition and online Zoom talk
From 1940 to 1941, around 70,000 adults with mental and physical disabilities living in institutions across Germany and Austria were systematically killed under a Nazi state-led programme called Aktion T4. The victims were deemed to have 'lives unworthy of life'. 'Finding Ivy: A Life Worthy of Life' tells the previously unknown story of the 13 British-born victims of this murderous assault on disabled people. An online Zoom talk on this important topic will take place on Wednesday 29 January from 5.30pm. Ticket price £6. Book your tickets using the event webpage.
Can't make this event? You can also visit the free exhibition 'Finding Ivy: A Life Worthy of Life' during January at the Surrey History Centre.